JOHNSON White and Philip Hobbs, who train at Sandhill Racing Stables which is situated alongside the A39 at Bilbrook, kicked off the 2026-27 National Hunt season with a winner at Newton Abbot.

Somespring Special ridden by Ben Jones won the opening race on the card, the Kauto The King Handicap Chase over two miles four furlongs and 216 yards, by seven lengths after going off at 7-2.

The West Somerset duo enjoyed a highly successful 2025-26 season, during which they notched up 38 winners as well as enjoying 116 horses that were placed.

Reflecting on the season that ended on April 30, joint licence holder Johnson White said: “We had a lovely end to the 2025-6 season culminating in winning the Scottish Grand National with Kap Vert which was absolutely fantastic.

“There were also some notable wins along the way, Captain Hugo winning the Morebattle hurdle at Kelso was wonderful and Imperial Saint in the Peter Marsh, Kikijo has been a star for us and Sober Glory has done really well, and we have got a lot to look forward to next season.

“Most of our horses are out at grass now but as you can see we have the odd one running like Somespring Special, being our first winner which was a lovely way to kick start the season and hopefully the first of many to come.”

Johnson added: ”I can’t wait until the middle of July and have them back in and running in the middle of October again.”

Summer racing takes place at Newton Abbot on the following dates - 13th and 27th May, 3rd, 12th and 23rd June 3rd,12th and 23rd, July 3rd, 13th and 19th, August 22nd and 27th, September 7th, 18th and 28th and October 17th and 28th.

To find out more and book tickets log onto newtonabbotracing.com.